Vital Signs: Dueling rulings over Obamacare subsidies

The Affordable Care Act is no stranger to the court room. First came the U.S. Supreme Court challenge over the constitutionality of its key requirement that all Americans get health insurance or pay a penalty. More recently, the country’s highest court ruled that owners of some private companies can object on religious grounds to a provision of the law requiring employers to cover birth control.

On Tuesday, the law’s financial subsidies that help Americans afford coverage took the legal limelight. By chance, two courts issued entirely conflicting rulings, on the same day. Within hours of each other, actually.

Judges can’t agree on the law any more than the rest of us can, it turns out.

Federal courts disagree over Obamacare, creating uncertainty about Mainers’ health insurance subsidies

Other top health stories this week:

Man accused of touring US hospitals, injuring himself to get painkillers, arrested in Maine

He was wanted by — of all federal agencies — the postal service, for allegedly providing staff at more than 400 hospitals across the U.S. false names and addresses.

LePage administration wants adults without children to work to get food stamps

After a five-year break, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services plans once again to require childless adults to work in order to receive help through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps.

From our bloggers

Diane Atwood, Catching Health

Enjoying Maine’s Fabulous Produce — Safely

Keeping the focus on including fresh, minimally processed, well-managed fruits and vegetables, possibly all within a short distance from where you live, is crucial in sustainable nutrient rich foods.

Jackie Conn, Sooner or Lighter

How to Really Get Rid of Stubborn Belly Fat

It’s not a matter of buying the stuff you saw on an infomercial. Save your money, it won’t work.

Compiled by BDN Health Editor Jackie Farwell

Jackie Farwell

About Jackie Farwell

I'm the health editor for the Bangor Daily News, a Bangor native, a UMaine grad, and a weekend crossword warrior. I never get sick of writing about Maine people, geeking out over health care data, and finding new ways to help you stay well. I live in Gorham with my husband Nick and our hound dog Riley.